19 Aug 2026 13 min read weekly dozen

exhibition season | Aug 19 - Aug 25 2026

secret Sofar shows in secret places. But, it's Campbell House Museum Courtyard.

the CNE begins this weekend and if you can get in, all the concerts are free including Shaggy, a large international headliner, Tom Cochrane, and even Glass Tiger. Some pretty big names this year. This week is actually quite busy with a lot of small events all over the city. It's a great week to get out and enjoy Toronto. Don't forget to look at the bottom to see the ongoing events, art exhibits, outdoor movies, fitness events, and live music.

I'm thinking of changing these posts to be from Thursday-Wednesday or even Friday-Thursday with the same Wednesday release date or move the release date to Monday. Hard to know yet, but there may be weird overlapping dates soon.

1. Sofar Sounds: Queen West

Wed, Aug 19 · 8p | Secret address | Free

A secret show and this one is free, with a donation. Sign up on the website and you'll find out exactly where the show is. What we do know is that it's in a courtyard on Queen West. Bring a blanket for lawn seating.

Live Music, Concerts & Music Events | Sofar Sounds

Sofar Sounds

2. SankofaFest

Fri-Sun, Aug 21-23 · 3p-11p | Sankofa Square | Free

I know a lot of people are against the name, I'll take it over the original even if there's no connection to the city. It's meaning, looking to the past to learn for the future, is beautiful. I'll take that Ghanaian saying as a cool thing to have learned. This festival looks great. Legendary RNB singer Mya headlines the weekend music portion.

3. Move for Colombia

Sun, Aug 23 · 10a-12:30p | Coronation Park | Free

Fundraising event to support communities affected by the August 10 earthquake in Colombia. Featuring yoga, HIIT, 4km run, and zumba dance class. 100% of funds raised will go towards relief and recovery efforts through Plan International and The House Project. Support this if you can.

4. Roller Skating Trail

Fri, Aug 21, 5-9p, Sat-Sun, Aug 22-23 · 1-8p | The Bentway | Free

Free public roller skating at The Bentway. Bring your own skates or wheels of another kind and enjoy the trail. Skate rentals available starting at $18.

5. Tragically Hip 10th Anniversary Watch Party

Sat, Aug 22 · 6p-9p | Ground Control | Free

A uniquely Canadian event; a watch party celebrating the 10th anniversary of The Tragically Hip's final concert performance. I can't believe it's 10 years. Ground Control will feature 9 large screens. Show starts at 7pm.

6. Tartan Turban Secret Readings #50

Fri, Aug 21 · 7p-10p | Barrett and Welsh | Free

50 Readings! This not-so-secret event is a literary feast. With great writers sharing their works in a beautiful environment. And 50 of these is quite an achievement.

7. Toronto Korean Festival

Fri, Aug 21 · 10a-10p | Mel Lastman Square | Free

The North York festival lineups are nice and a little more peaceful than the downtown variety. This one is a bit different because of the density of Korean businesses and culture in the area. An authentic festival despite the blatant use of AI imagery in the link below.

8. Handmade Markets

Fri, Aug 21 · 9a-6p | High Park | Free

There are a bunch of these types of markets. This one is in High Park, but check the full list. All oddly on the same day. Is there some agreement they can only have artisan markets this Friday?

eventbrite.com

9. Sounds Of STMS

Sat, Aug 22 · 9p-1a | The Lobby, Ace Hotel Toronto | Free

A free evening of soulful sonics ranging from global sounds to remixes, r&b, edits and beyond. They bring in a guest DJ and see where the night goes.

acehotel.com

10. Pizza Picnic Party

Thu, Aug 20 · 12p-4p | Trinity Bellwoods | Free

A stunt by Pizza Hut. They are bringing Canada's biggest picnic blanket for hundreds of "friends". But really they are getting us to come with free pizza and beverages. If I know anything from sports in this city, people love free pizza, no matter where it comes from.

11. Book Launches:
The One Who Broke You Can't Heal You - Dr. Najwa Zebian The Astronaut Among the Flowers - P.A. Cornell

Sat, Aug 22 2p-5p | Bakka-Phoenix Books
Mon, Aug 24 · 7p-8:30p | Another Story Bookshop

Get an interesting discussion going with Dr. Najwa Zebian and author Marlee Liss at Another Story on Monday.

Or get a science fiction reading, Q&A and refreshments at Bakka-Phoenix on Saturday afternoon.

12. Afro-Carib Fest

Sat-Sun, Aug 22-23 · 12p-9p | Thomson Memorial Park | Free

Afro-Caribbean culture at a park in Scarborough with music, food, and family-friendly activities. Great atmosphere with people of all ages having a good time.

13. Jazz Performances at The Well

Wed, Aug 19, 5:30-7:30p | The Well | Free

Jazz performances are back at Downtown Toronto's only outdoor mall. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with amazing performances from local musicians.

14. Canadian Justice Coalition Birthday Party

Thu, Aug 20 · 6p-10p | 33 Prince Arthur Avenue | Free

Canadian Justice Coalition is a group of lawyers sticking up for those who need it the most. People with rights being trampled on. They are celebrating their 6th birthday and it's worth celebrating. Go say hi, bring food or drink, or donate if you wish.

15. Observing the Sky

Wed, Aug 19 · 10:30p-11:30p | Downsview Park | Free

After the movie in the park, stick around and do some stargazing with experts. It's about an hour, and if you're there already why not look up at the sky.

BONUS: Paid Events

Micaela Rae, Himalayan Pink, & Alex Nunes

Thu, Aug 20 · 8:30p-11:30p | Monarch Tavern | $22.63

A folk-rock music with 3 really talented Toronto artists who blend folk, jazz, psychedelia, and rock with emotionally nuanced lyrics exploring themes of relationships, grief, and the beauty of life. It looks like a great group.

Frequency: Janel Jones + Atonal

Sat, Aug 22 · 8p-10p | Worth Gallery | $17.31

Live music with stripped-back shows is what Frequency is all about. This Saturday, Janel Jones performs Atonal, a solo project blending experimental poetry, improvisation, and sound recording at a gallery.

Ongoing Events

I've written about these in previous weeks, but they are worth going to, so I'm making a small list in case anyone has forgotten. I'll link to the post about it if you're looking for more info.

Ongoing
Roots for Resilience | Aug 24, 5:30p-8p, Maloca Community Garden
Cinema Italiano | Aug 25, 5:30p-6:30p, Dufferin/St. Clair
Writer's Circle | Aug 19, 6:30p-7:30p, Deer Park
Mahjong Adult Social | Aug 19, 5p-7:30p, Beaches
Toronto Country Fest | Aug 19, 1p-10:30p, 55 Mill St
It Takes a Village Festival + Market | Aug 20, 3p-7p, 912 Eglinton Ave W